Alpha News

Decline of Professional Fishermen in Cyprus: Unfair Compensation and False Receipts

Published January 27, 2026, 15:28

Professional fishermen in Cyprus are facing a serious decline, with accusations of unfair compensation for damage to nets caused by dolphins and the acceptance of false receipts by the Fisheries Department. Loizos Ioannou, Treasurer of the Pan-Cypriot Association of Professional Fishermen, stated that in 2023, fishermen who did not meet the required fish quantity (1,400 kg) received reduced compensation (€700 instead of €1,900). Furthermore, the Fisheries Department's compensation scheme was suspended for five years without timely notification, leaving fishermen exposed to financial losses. Mr. Ioannou reported that some fishermen submit false receipts to obtain licenses, and the Fisheries Department accepts them despite knowing the fraud. The Association of Professional Fishermen had addressed the Fisheries Department, where the Director had promised to find a solution to the injustices, but the Minister of Agriculture rejected the proposal, refusing to refer to the issue. This situation creates unfair competition and discourages honest professional fishermen, jeopardizing the sustainability of the industry.